Environment NGOs petition to keep Hondoq for all to enjoy

Moviment Harsien Hondoq, together with Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Ramblers Association, NatureTrust, FOE Malta, Din L-Art Helwa and Wirt Ghawdex are appealing for support to help persuade MEPA to permanently refuse the permit for the Hondoq project.

MEPA’s Environment Protection Directorate’s recommendation against the development of a real estate/marina complex at Hondoq ir-Rummien was widely welcomed by all those who have been fighting against this proposal for the last 9 years. However, the NGOs said that it is still important to keep the momentum going and ensure that the MEPA Board follows through this decision by refusing to grant a permit to the developers.

The NGOs said that another issue that needs to be addressed is the policy regarding Hondoq in the Gozo and Comino Local Plan, which was changed without consultation, from one in favour of rehabilitation, to one in favour of development. The NGOs said that this policy should be changed back to what was agreed upon between MEPA and the Qala Local Council in 2002, where Hondoq Bay and its surroundings were designated as being Outside the Development Zone (ODZ).

Finally the NGOs have proposed that Hondoq be turned into a National Park, as was already planned by the Qala Local Council and that the area be rehabilitated and protected in order that everyone can continue to enjoy this area of outstanding natural beauty for generations to come.

The NGOs concluded by appealing for everyone to continue to show their support by signing their petition and helping to ensure that the MEPA Board upholds the decision of MEPA’s Environment Protection Directorate, by refusing to grant a permit for the development of Hondoq ir-Rummien into a real estate/marina complex.

13 Responses

Practically everywhere on Gozo has been touched in some way by the developers, to their detriment I might add, and for that reason alone it is important that Hondoq is left in peace for the people to enjoy. Saving Hondoq started out as a local Qala campaign, and quickly became a Gozo wide campaign. Support then came from those Maltese people who love to come over to Gozo at the weekends for the peace and quiet and spend time with family and friends at Hondoq. And now because of the tourist market and the internet the name of Hondoq has gathered support worldwide. Back home I have a sticker on the front and back windows of my car which states, ‘I Love Hondoq,’ and people are forever asking me what it means, and I’m more than happy to tell them.

MEPA must listen to the people in this matter rather than the money. If they were to grant permission for such a development at Hondoq they would be going against the recommendation of their own Environment Protection Directorate, the 85% of Qala people who are against it, all the Maltese people who are against it, and that’s before we even begin to consider the international situation. In short they would have a war on their hands.

The fact that hotels are closing down is proof that they don’t need one at Hondoq. The fact that there are thousands of empty properties on the island is proof that no more properties need to be built in this location. If more space is needed for boats then places like Mgarr harbour which have already been polluted to some extent can be used rather than polluting the fresh clear waters at Hondoq. Just remember, Hondoq Bay was not built by man it was built by God and I’ve never seen man improve on a God built structure yet so let it be.

This old 1952 photo picture is the most disappointing ,black and white sight I have
ever seen ! Hondoq ,I have been looking at that view ever since I was a child I but
those that say that GOD built that structure so let it be, GOD also said ,help your- self
and GOD will help you .

“The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great— and for destroying those who destroy the earth.” God entrusted Hondoq and in fact all of the earth to mankind and told us that we were to take care of it. To rip it out of the earth and replace it with concrete is not taking care of it.

To answer the Revelation 11: 18 ,it will not be on my conscience at all,you want to
continue drinking that unhealthy imported water for human consumption ,when
God provided you with priventing the people of moslly in Malta ,that was my
expirience and my stomack could not swallow it,when you have a wasted big
canyon which could be developed into a water storage to serve the shortage of
water and name it ,
Alphonsus Canyon.

@EMMANUEL MAGRO. If you are now talking about better water management in both Gozo and Malta then I agree with you 100% Emmanuel. There are plenty of areas which could serve as water reservoirs on the islands rather than have millions of gallons of good fresh drinking water pouring into the sea every year. The construction and maintenance of these could provide much needed work for local people and by stocking them with fresh water fish and providing proper management you could also be looking at a brand new tourist attraction for the islands, fishing holidays and competitions.

Don`t worry Mr. Tyrrell the Gozitans will save a couple of square metres of prime real estate at Hondoq for a monument honouring your hard work and perseverance towards the preservation of Gozo`s natural beauty.

Gozoroo if you have nothing better to do that make stupid comments, which I understand are a bit of a national hobby where you live then don’t you think it would be better if you just kept your mouth shut? The only Australian I have heard talking sense is your Prime Minister so perhaps the rest of you should content yourself with just rattling your ball and chains.

Why are ya gettin heated up my friend? We have a say Down Under “Sticks and stones may break our bones but words will never hurt us” That`s what we call Aussie spirit. Secondly You must be chasing fame and glory with all your involvment in Gozo`s affairs. You have far worst problems in your neck of the woods. Have you helped in quelling the London riots?, N I religious BS or bringin your economy to shape.

Thirdly Only POMS rattle balls & chains.

Last but not least. Our NATIONAL HOBBY is building a strong AUSTRALIA which is the envy of the world.

If I where you I`ll take Pamela Anderson`s portrait off my bedroom wall and hang this comment.

@ Peter,You are totally wrong What Gozo needs is a dedicated Government that truly loves Gozo.Remember how many people used to work in Xewkija ,and now it`s a GHOSTTOWN

Please tell me in this last 22 years of this government how many factories have opened in Gozo?
Oh there was one lately the BRIVARK that left everyone without paying even their salaries .And all this because they did not have enough power from electricity.

My dear Gozitan brothers and sisters if you want to keep Gozo as original and natural as much as you can, and not over developed, the only industry that you can and have to sustain is Agriculture.

Peter is right with his comment above. Unfortunatly young people, with their parents blessing are only focusing on high flying jobs. This is a huge problem all over the world.It is true Gozo will become an oversized retirement village.

Agriculture doesn`t mean digging and planting only. It includes research laboratories science, machinery, fertilisers, soil preparation, weather forecasts and many more. The Govt. has to promote and encourage this.

These jobs are also big earners. I can`t understand why Malta university and others don`t have campuses in Gozo. It`s a shame.